We’ve always been good at helping a hand and getting involved in various charity ventures... from 24 Hour Spins and charity rides to last year’s food drive, this group has always been very generous with its time...and pocket book.

But this year, we took it one step further...

We felt it was important this year that the LapDogs do something that was significant and in true LapDog tradition... a bit unconventional. Thanks to a suggestion from one of our Club Member, Ross Rader, who though his own personal experiences with his amazing little boy, we decided to put our efforts into supporting Ability Gives, who in their words... “Create life-changing experiences for young people with disabilities by helping their families obtain much-needed medical devices, mobility and communication aids.” It seemed to the LapDogs, that this was a perfect match.

So in order to get behind our new friends at Ability Gives, we did a few things to help raise funds amongst our membership:

• A Club Strava Challenge [won by Ross Rader, Gerry Ugalde and Lenka Branichova]• Several Information Sessions, featuring our very own Larry Woo• Movie Night at Duke’s Cycle• General passing of the hat

All of these initiative were very successful and our initial goal of $1500 was greatly surpassed. It was with great pleasure that the LapDogs Cycling Club presented a cheque for $2800 to Ability Gives.

We are very pleased to know that this money will be going directly to young Owen, who suffers from a very rare disability known as Angelman's Syndrome. With the funds raised, Owen will very soon be the proud owner of a very special tricycle. Such a device gives him a renewed sense of mobility, independence and [of course] fun!

We have also made Owen an Honorary LapDog and will be presenting him with a club jersey, cycling cap and water bottle.